Brooklyn Center Council Fires City Manager Reggie Edwards
The Brooklyn Center City Council cut ties with its highest ranking employee on Friday, Dec. 19.
The council fired City Manager Reggie Edwards in a 3-2 vote at a special meeting.
It came after his annual performance review, which is closed from public view.
“It pains me to think that the momentum that we’ve worked diligently to build, the vision of a new empowered Brooklyn Center may be dwarfed by shortsightedness and divisiveness,” Edwards said.
Council Members Laurie Ann Moore, Kris Lawrence-Anderson and Dan Jerzak voted to terminate Edwards’ contract, effective immediately.
All three declined the opportunity to speak on their decision during the meeting.
Meanwhile, Mayor April Graves and Council Member Tenisha Kragness spoke against firing Edwards.
“Our staff are not abstract,” Graves said. “They are people who have dedicated their careers to public service. They deserve clear expectations, fair process and professional respect, just as we expect those things for ourselves.”
Protestor Alfreda Daniels chants and holds a sign ahead of the firing of Brooklyn Center City Manager Reggie Edwards.
Firing Was Met With Protest
Edwards has been city manager since 2021, when he stepped into the role following the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright and the firing of former City Manager Curt Boganey.
In his parting remarks, Edwards told the council he is the only Black city manager in the state of Minnesota.
“This distinction affords me the chance to inspire hope for those who have been historically marginalized,” Edwards said.
His firing was met with protest.
Early in the meeting, the council was not going to allow for public comment. That decision was met with chanting, and the council gave attendees 15 minutes to speak.
Likewise, the meeting was cut short as council members began to consider appointing an acting city manager. A protester shouted at the council, which then moved to end the meeting.
It’s unclear who is acting as an interim city manager.
“The city is currently consulting with legal counsel regarding personnel-related matters, so we are limited in what we can confirm at this time,” said a city spokesperson. “Leadership coverage is in place to ensure continuity of city operations. As with all personnel matters, details related to individual employment decisions are confidential. We will share additional information once it is appropriate and legally cleared to do so.”
